Discrimination - Your Rights

Types of discrimination (protected characteristics)

It is against the law to discriminate against anyone because of:

  • age 

  • gender reassignment 

  • being married or in a civil partnership 

  • being pregnant (external link) or on maternity leave 

  • disability (external link) 

  • race including colour, nationality, ethnic or national origin 

  • religion or belief 

  • sex 

  • sexual orientation 

These are called protected characteristics. 

You are protected from discrimination:

  • at work

  • in education 

  • as a consumer 

  • when using public services 

  • when buying or renting property

  • as a member or guest of a private club or association  

You are legally protected from discrimination by the Equality Act 2010 (external link).

You are also protected from discrimination if: 

  • you are associated with someone who has a protected characteristic, for example a family member or friend 

  • you have complained about discrimination or supported someone else’s claim 

Action against discrimination 

You can do something voluntarily to help people with a protected characteristic. This is called positive action.

Taking positive action is legal if people with a protected characteristic: 

  • are at a disadvantage 

  • have particular needs 

  • are under-represented in an activity or type of work